Shaking is often a response to extreme frustration
Shaking can cause damage that you cannot see
Shaking can cause damage that is long lasting
Never shake a child for any reason
There are different ways to cope with a crying baby
Do not suffer alone, seek support from others
Why do people shake babies?
Often, although not always, babies and young children are shaken when a parent
or carer becomes very frustrated when they will not stop crying due to colic,
illness or feeding difficulties. On average a baby will cry for at least two
hours every day. If a baby has additional difficulties, they will cry more and
this can be very stressful. One in ten babies cry much more than this average
and many parents experience a great deal of difficulty managing this.
Many parents may not realise the extent of the damage that a shake can do to a
young child. Parents/carers who have a low tolerance level may become angry and
more likely to give in and shake the child. However there are many alternatives
to try and people to talk to.
Some very rough play with a young child can also cause some similar injuries so
never shake a young child.
What damage can shaking cause?
Shaking a baby can cause death or serious and long-lasting brain damage. Shaken
Baby Syndrome is an injury that results when a baby is shaken so that his or
her head wobbles rapidly back and forth. The force of this can tear the blood
vessels that connect the brain and skull. This happens because a young child's
neck muscles are not strong enough to hold their head firmly. The action of
shaking can cause serious damage, even though the parent does not perceive it
as fierce. Never ever shake a baby for any reason.
Ways to cope with a crying baby
Crying is the way all babies make sure that their basic needs are met - they
may be hungry, thirsty, need a change of nappy or even some company. Crying is
neither your fault nor the fault of your baby.
Some of the ways to cope include:
Count to ten before doing anything and allow yourself to calm down.
Consider using a dummy.
Hug and cuddle your child - perhaps with the use of a baby-carrier so that they
are close to your body in order to help soothe them.
Go for a walk or a drive to help them sleep.
Make use of a helpline in times of crisis.
If necessary walk out of the room for a short time, ensuring that you are
nearby.
Ask someone else you trust to take over for a while.
Warning Signs
A range of signs can indicate if a child may have been shaken, including feeding
difficulties, lethargy, eye injuries, vomiting, irritability, speech and
learning difficulties, developmental delay, seizures and paralysis.
Action
If you are worried about your child, take him or her to see your Doctor, Health
Visitor or to the Casualty department. Seek support, including the helplines
listed under Contacts (see below).
What to Say
Develop communication with your child using eye contact, smiling, cuddling and
talking. This will develop your understanding and responsiveness to your baby's
needs when he/she is having difficulties.
Prevention
It is never safe to shake a child, not even in play. It is important for
siblings playing together or for the babysitter or any other carer to be made
aware of the dangers.
